ROME, N.Y. - Dozens of New York National Guard members spent three days cleaning up debris caused by a tornado that hit the city the evening of July 16.
The 174th Attack Wing based at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base deployed 25 Airmen, while the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry, headquartered in Utica, deployed 25 Soldiers. An additional 10 Soldiers also supported the mission.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who visited Rome July 17, declared a state of emergency that enabled her to mobilize National Guard personnel and provide state resources to the city more rapidly.
The storm also hit areas in central New York and the Albany area, although Rome suffered the most damage, according to state officials.
Working in teams of five, the 174th Airmen helped clear branches and tree limbs from yards, driveways and walkways. Some of the larger debris had blocked people in their homes.
The 174th also sent a five-member debris clearance team, which cleared roads using two skid steers and a dump truck.
Tech. Sgt. Alexander Parent of Rome, assigned to the Eastern Air Defense Sector, said the storm’s impact was immense.
”As soon as it stopped, we came out to the front porch and saw our neighbors on their front porch,” he said. “We were just yelling over to see if everyone was fine.”
Parent, who was not on the state active duty response, said he was grateful to know the city had help.
Deputy Chief Michael Liddy of the Rome Fire Department said the department responded to numerous calls, including a collapsed building. The priority was to clear main roads so first responders could move through the city.
Master Sgt. Nathan Roczen helped clear debris and said Guard members were “eager to help out where we can.”